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Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Congress To Vote On Medical Marijuana

Tell Your Representative to Support the Hinchey/Rohrabacher Amendment.

Mr Really, Really, Really Bad Dancer is a winner

Cannes Lions - Winners & Shortlists

Maredsous 8 is great!

I've got to tell you that I went to Anam Cara yesterday and tried their Maredsous 8 Belgian beer on tap.

AMAZING!

It's dark in color but light in taste. Bellgian beer is the best!

How to get Ecto to talk to Blogspot

Use this api:

http://api.blogger.com/api

If anyone could tell me how to get the titles to work, please send an email, since my comments system is down at the moment. Thanks.

Ecto puts the title in a TITLE tag, but blogger doesn't seem to like that.

Kamikaze Girls

Were you one of those people who figured the talk show host in Lost in Translation had to be some sort of bizarre in joke? Nothing that weird could actually be on mainstream television, right? Wrong. That guy's actually the top rated talk show host in Japan and he doesn't even begin to scratch the surfact of just how bizarre Japanese pop culture can be. They've got some truly strange sub-cultures over there ... case in point: Kamikaze Girls. A luridly colored, adapted from a popular comic story about an unlikely friendship between a country girl fixated on 18th century France - hence the frilly dresses and parasols - and a member of an all female biker gang.
Go watch the trailer for this movie.

Even though I have no idea what is going on, I laughed out loud a few times.

Make sure you watch until the little commercial at the end comes on for an extra little laugh. ;-)

Take that spammers!

My Robot is better than your robot

I, ROBOT trailer, the director's cut
More on I, Robot -- Director Alex Proyas wasn't too crazy about the trailer Fox put together for his sci-fi opus so he edited his own version and posted it on his Mystery Clock website. Frankly, I'm still not impressed. Via The Movie Blog.
Found on Cinema Minema who found it on Bitter Cinema.

Curb Your Lord of the Rings

Brendon Small's got an official website now, with news:
For those of you that are interested I'm in developement with World Wide Pants and Sci Fi on the early stages of another animated project currently entitled "Morth" which is (the simple pitch) a cross between Lord of the rings and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (you fill in the blanks) (for the record I'm not joking- just so you know)
Brendon says it'll never get done because it'll be "too good" for "people".

Hey, he's got 15 Secret Songs on his website.

Tuesday, June 29, 2004

DHL: Not Cool

Remember how I liked FedEx InterNet Ship?

No?

Oh, well I liked it. NOw I had to ship something via DHL today and wanted to use their Internet ship method.

I signed ujp on their website and then tried to ship a package.

ERROR.

You can only ship a package using their web interface if you are at the billing location.

Well I wasn't. So I couldn't. D'oh.

So I drove over to Brookline and dropped off my two packages at a drop off box.

Later on I check the status on the web. One package gave the pickup time and the other package had a message, "No status available. Please contact us."

Hmm. That didn't look good.

So I called over to DHL and had to read all the shipping info to them over the phone.

After doing that I was told that there wouldn't be a problem with the packages and to check back in the morning.

Weird.

Jesse McLeod: The Journey


Another 48 Hours film - Jesse McLeod: The Journey (2004).

I looooooved it!

Another 48 Hours Film Contest

48 Hours Channel

2004 Finalists Auckland Channel

Bloody Good Mates - A popular entry.

I like the way this website works. It runs on Supermodel.
The rationale behind Supermodel is twofold. Firstly, the software represents the semantic structure of site content, rather than being tied to the way this content is presented on the website. Secondly, the software provides a straightforward model for integration with interface templates, and imposes no restrictions on the display of content.
Here's another example of a Supermodel site, Exile Films.

Save the iPod

Stop the INDUCE act!

Sunday, June 27, 2004

Saturday, June 26, 2004

Legacy Matters

Two new interesting blogs:

Legacy Matters

Business of Life

Ravi Jain Does It Again!

Check out today's Globe for a nice picture of Ravi. He planned to take the last elevated Green line train last night.

Boston.com: It's the end of the line for the 'El'
'The El must die so that the Green Line may live,' said Stefan Economou, who with colleague Ravi Jain planned to ride the last trolley on the elevated tracks last night. The two were the last to drive over the elevated Central Artery before that structure was closed and the southbound Interstate 93 Big Dig tunnel opened last December. 'Sunlight will caress the asphalt of Causeway Street once again.'
Look for coverage on all the major Boston TV stations today.

Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Micro Machines

Micro Machines is my video for Day Four of Video Blogging Week.

It's quite an effort to put together a video every day. For this one I filmed what was going on at work, since I've been there all day, every day of the week so far.

To produce this video I filmed it, captured it to my Mac, brought it into Final Cut Pro, added some music and then exported it. Next up I loaded it into Sorenson Squeeze and compressesd it for web delivery. After that I created an HTML page to host the video, FTP'd the video and the HTML file to my hosting site, and then created a new entry in my video blog, using TypePad, to link to the HTML page.

I'm going to look into a new process that includes making a poster movie in QuickTime and only loading the video when the user clicks the poster movie. That'll reduce my steps by taking out the HTML page creation step.

Tuesday, June 22, 2004

No Soup For Elin

Elin orders soup and gets a salad.
Suddenly, a salad was planted firmly in front of me. "That one is for you, Elin" said our chef, proudly. Confused, I looked up at him. Too many things where happening now and........ where's my soup? He knows I want soup? A sudden thought: Did he think I am fat? Salad?? Diet coke? Please!
Click the link to see what happens next.

Another place to start a blog

Blogmedia.

Sunday, June 20, 2004

Hasidic Reggae Superstar

Matisyahu - Official Site.

He's at the Lizard Lounge on Wednesday.

My Upload Speeds Stinks!

Just did a test:

2,389 kbps Download - Great!

165 kbps Upload - Lousy. Used to get 280 upload, before Comcast increased the download speed.

Look, Up in the Sky, It's a bird, it's a plane...

It's the RI National Guard Airshow 2004 at the Quonset State Airport featuring Sean Tucker of Team Oracle.

He's the pilot who buzzed Boston the other day.

I've never been to an air show before, and went yesterday. It was lots of fun.

You can still go today. It's free, with a $10 donation for parking.

I've got some video that I'm going to edit together and post tomorrow.

Videoblogging Week, June 2004

This page collects entries from all Videoblogging Week participants in one central spot.

Saturday, June 19, 2004

VideoBlogging: Video Blogging Week


I just signed up to participate in Video Blogging Week.

That means one video blog post per day, starting on June 20th.

This is going to be challenging.

Recover: a video magazine on DVD

Recover Video Magazine.
We created this video magazine to be the venue for these new visions. We believe that style, flow, and image are more important than story.
I'll have to put something together for these guys.

Friday, June 18, 2004

Kirktoons: Remembering Regan

He tripled the national debt, but he had such CHARISMA!

It's Just Not Right!

FedEx Website
FedEx InterNETship doesn't work unless you disable your pop-up blocker.
There is a message at the bottom of the page telling you not to press [ SUBMIT ] more than once, but no warning about disabling pop-ups.

I told the person on the phone at FedEx and she agreed that it would be nice to have that warning on the page.

We should see that page updated soon. ;-)

Apple PowerBook G4 Portable Power Adapter
The Apple PowerBook G4 Portable Power Adapter is expensive, $79. The picture on the box shows the 'brick' part of the power supply but not the included cables. There isn't even a 'contents of the box' listing on the outside of the box. I told the cashier and she didn't seem to care that much.

Apple mini iPod
You've got to call the Apple store every day to see if mini iPods are in stock, and then get your name on a list if you plan on going in to get one that day. I asked if there was a way that they could just put my name on a list and email me when one comes in.

They said it was too much work to maintain a list like that. Hmm. Seems like poor customer service to me. Should be easy enough to maintain a list of people's names and email addresses. They are a computer store.

Dave Dropped the Rubber Ball

michaelw.net In defense of Dave
Here is a technique that I find very helpful in reminding me to keep a work/life balance:

You will have many responsibilities simultaneously in your life—like having to juggle several balls at once. Visualize that in one hand you hold a rubber ball and in the other hand you hold a beautiful, fragile, glass ball. The rubber ball represents your career, your work, and your volunteer activities. The glass ball represents your family, your friends, and your health.

What happens if you drop the rubber ball? It will bounce. Someone will pick it up for you or it will stay put until you are able to pick it up again. What happens if you drop the glass ball? If you're lucky, it will only crack. But it may smash into a million pieces. Either way, it will never be the same.

So, along with everything that you learn, there is something you should learn not to do. Don't let your justifiable concern about your career cause you to drop the precious ball that represents your family, your friends, and your health.

Remarks by Sandra Pianalto
President and Chief Executive Officer
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Ursuline College
Graduate Commencement 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004"
Don't drop the glass one.

Dave Winer Remix Contest

Waxy.org: Daily Log: Dave Winer Remix Contest.

This is a great idea that I had too, and didn't do anything about.

Others did.

Check it: "People Just Love To Jump Up And Down" [.MP3, 1.95 MB].

Saw it on Eric Rice's site. Eric is going to post a video blog post per day next week.

I might just join in.

How to make a red light blink

Jeremy tells us how to make a binking red light in Final Cut Pro.

On - Off - On - Off - On - Off

Humor in the News is back

Everybody's weblogs.com websites are back up at buzzword.com with the naming convention sitename.buzzword.com.

They're up there for FREE for 90 days.

So my long neglected site, Humor in the News, is now sitting at http://humorinthenews.buzzword.com/.

I'll point my new URL, http://humorinthenews.stevegarfield.com/, to it for now.

I'll be deciding where and how to host it in the near future.

Dave explains the transition plan here.

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Save and Share links with Hyperlinkomatic

Hyperlinkomatic is a web based application that helps you save and organize web links.

You can even share.

Kirsten Malone

Kirsten Malone was a 26 year old active member of the punk rock community in Boston. She was a Mass Art graduate, photography major. She was previously in The Statue Factor, and was most recently in The Faux.

She was hit by a car saturday around 9 AM while on her bike near the Cambridge street footbrige to lower Allston.

She passed away yesterday at MGH due to extensive head injuries.

From the Honeypump Message Board Thread
She was an exceptionally wonderful, talented and sweet girl and will be missed. This Saturday June 19th at 10:00AM people will be bringing flowers and meeting at the spot where she was struck. Whether or not you can make it please remember that wearing a helmet may have prevented her death so do take care.
From today's Boston Globe, Kirsten Malone, 29; artist, 'The Faux' singer, keyboardist:
''She was an awesome aunt to my children," said her sister, Candace Waldee, of Marietta, Ga., whose children are 2, 5, 7. ''She would come by and play non-stop -- pretend and dress-up games, stuff most adults wouldn't play. My kids didn't consider Aunt Kirsten a grown-up. They didn't understand that concept."
One of Kirsten's art projects.

Jess Kelly of WZBC, 90.3 FM in Boston, says:
My show today, 3-5 PM, is dedicated to her, and I've advertised it a bit as a call-in kinda thing, where her friends can request her favorite bands in her honor.

I'm asking you to please witness a small piece of this girl's talent, and tune in at 4 pm. I'm going to play The Faux's EP all the way through. (they are organ-driven no-wave-ish, she played keys.) It's truly epic. (I'm trying to get my hands on her older band's work, and if i can, i'll play them all the way through as well) I'll also be playing bike safety PSA's, as this tragedy might have been prevented if she had been wearing a helmet.

This will be a moment of "silence" type of thing. I'm asking all her friends and fans to tune in and blast the station in her memory during her songs.

Bad things happen to good people, and boston will not be quite the same.

DJ Jess Kelly
Thurs Rock 4
I would have met Kirsten, for the first time, on Saturday afternoon.

She didn't show up.

I feel the loss of never having known her.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Fix Up Your Blog by Biz Stone and Eric Case

This Old Blog.

Awwww Skippper!

The Real Gilligan's Island
"The producers of 'Gilligan's Island' are teaming with the producers of the 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' to bring you The Real Gilligan's Island."
[ Warning: New theme song plays when page loads ]

Casting call this weekend:

Saturday, June 19th
Copley Place Mall
Boston, MA
10am- 4 pm

via [ Reality TV World ]

Rollei Twin Lens Digital Reflex Camera

Rolleiflex MiniDigi.

You Are Not An Animal


Yahoo! News - Man Charged In Coffee Road Rage Case
Mastropieri admitted that he got steamed up and threw a cup of hot coffee at the other driver because of verbal abuse.

'I just happened to take a swig out of it right before it happened. It was in my hands, and flicked it like that,' he said.

But police claim, in this case of coffee road rage, Mastropieri was only a victim of a courteous driver.

They say he became angry when the other man actually allowed cars to merge ahead of him in heavy traffic on Route 290 East. Officials said Mastropieri and the other driver traded insults until Mastropieri's temper boiled over.

'I mean a guy can only take so much before, you know, it was a reactionary thing. I flung the coffee at him just to shut him up,' Mastropieri said."
This story kills me.

By saying that "it was a reactionary thing", Mastropieri is admitting that he has no control over his actions, just like an animal.

What seperates humans from animals is that we have the ability to control our emotions.

Unlike the dog, who response system says Meat => Salivate, the human's response system is Caught in Traffic => Choose Your Response.

I'd roll up the window and listen to music.

See, Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People for more on this.

Monday, June 14, 2004

The SUNDANCE CHANNEL Rocks!

Anatomy of a Scene: Garden State.

Loved it.

HBO: Six Feet Under - Opening Titles

The Making of HBO: Six Feet Under - Opening Titles.

I knew that there was something special about them as I watch the season opening of Six Feet Under last night.

They spent a lot of time crafting the opening to 'not look like TV.'

They broke their eye to see in a new way.

CBS4: Woman has presense of mind to grab camera

On the news today they reported about a swam of bees that gathered outside the bedroom window of a baby.

The Channel 4 anchor says, "...and the mother had the presense of mind to grab her camera and get some video of the swarm. SHe then ran to get her baby."

I hope it's a reporting error and the mom grabbed the baby first.

The story ends with a report that an exterminator came and sprayed the house.

Hmm.

Wouldn't it have been better to have called in a bee keeper?

The Number Four's

I had lunch at The Fours today.
"Any Boston sports fan can appreciate The Fours. Originally called The Number Four's in honor of hockey great, Bobby Orr, the restaurant is so well known that it has shortened its name."
It's 4:44 of period 4, Bobby Orr, Number 4, scores!

Steve Garfield: Now listed at IMDb!

Steve Garfield - Miscellaneous crew!

Nice!

There is No Humor in the News


Dave just shut down my Humor in the News website, and every other website hosted on weblogs.com.

He's going to export it for me, but won't be giving me the ability to link to it's new home.
via [ Hotlinks ]

Sunday, June 13, 2004

Findory Blogory: A personalized weblog reader

Findory Blogory.

Is my mom the oldest blogger?

She's 78 and started blogging last October after she asked me what a blog was.

So instead of just telling her, I had her start one!

If you've got a spare moment, make a comment over at her blog.

It'll make her happy. :-)

Click here to see your monthly statement

I'm tired of clicking there to see my monthly statement.

Most companies I deal with prefer me to receive my monthly statements online.

It's easier and faster they say.

Guess what? It might be easier for them, but it's not easier OR faster for me.

You've got to click the link, then enter your username/password combination.

That in itself is a pain.

I've got a suggestion.

How about just sending me my statement in the body of the email?

Roll Your Own Java-powered Weblog

JRoller.

Models don't eat muffins

That's why there were a ton of muffins left over after today's casting call.

Friday, June 11, 2004

Interpol Short Film Contest

Matador Records | Interpol Short Film Contest
"Win funding for the production of a short film inspired by Interpol."

Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk 2004

Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk 2004 - General Donation.

Join my team, make a donation. Thanks.

Amy Goodman in Cambridge This Afternoon

Internationally acclaimed journalist Amy Goodman, host of the national daily, radio/TV program Democracy Now!, is on a national tour to mark the launch of her first book The Exception to the Rulers: Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media That Love Them. Join us for this exciting event. Support independent media. Tell your friends about the event:

Cambridge, MA:

Friday, June 11, 3:00 PM

Harvard Science Center
Oxford Street
Free

The Olympics Web Site is Live

NBCOlympics.com - WHDH O-Zone

Big Problems Require A Big Intervention

Click here to take part in The Big Intervention
The Big Intervention.

Has Tony Blair become a divisive influence, incapable of delivering true leadership?

Yes | No | No Comment

Washington Gives You Free mp3's

Washingtonpost.com - MP3.
via [ Bicycle Thieves ]

Wednesday, June 09, 2004

Stop scaring the old people

They've started putting up warnings on TV about severe thunderstorms.

This one if from WCVB:

Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 pm edt.
Tonight: becoming cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms developing. Some thunderstorms may be severe through 10 pm. Lows around 60. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
You are scaring my mother-in-law.

What do you want her to do to prepare for the storm?

Turn off all the lights?

Stacy's Simply Naked

Today I met Stacy of Stacy's Simply Naked With A Touch of Sea Salt Pita Chips fame.

She was at the GBH Action volunteering, and I figured it was her since she was wearing a Stacy's Pita's Apron and had a 'S T A C Y' necklace.

She makes great chips.

Who is singing that song on the radio?


If it's playing on MIX 98.5 in Boston, Tunefly can tell you what's playing with a text message to your cell phone.

Tuesday, June 08, 2004

Last Comic Standing...

... Pablo Francisco and Jay London should advance!

So the Pope meets George Bush

rec.humor.funny pope has solution:
The pope met with President Bush this week, called the actions at Abu Ghraib 'deplorable', and insisted the soldiers involved be reassigned to other parishes.
HA!
via [ Michael ]

rec.humor.funny: pope has solution

rec.humor.funny pope has solution:
The pope met with President Bush this week, called the actions at Abu Ghraib 'deplorable', and insisted the soldiers involved be reassigned to other parishes.
HA!

rec.humor.funny: pope has solution

rec.humor.funny pope has solution:
The pope met with President Bush this week, called the actions at Abu Ghraib 'deplorable', and insisted the soldiers involved be reassigned to other parishes.
HA!

"Boston Rob" Mariano and Amber Brkich

'Survivor' sweethearts Rob and Amber enjoy their moment of fame.
For one fleeting moment, 'Boston Rob' Mariano and Amber Brkich were America's sweethearts. She won $1 million on 'Survivor: All Stars' four weeks ago. He was the runner-up and had earlier proposed to her in front of 25 million television viewers with the words: 'You're the most amazing person I've ever met in my entire life.' She got the money. He got the girl. CBS got the ratings. Only in America.
We'll see more of them on TV, I'm sure.

Movie-Today.com

Movie Today is about the culture and spirit of independent films.
via [ one trick ]

Apple Introduces the Back Porch Internet

Apple - AirPort Express
Extend Your Network

If you already have a wireless network in your home and would like to extend its range, AirPort Express is your answer. Suppose you want to connect to the Internet with your PowerBook in an area that lies beyond the 150-foot range of your AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station. You can use AirPort Express as a wireless bridge to extend the range of your primary base station.(5)

There’s no need for extra wires or cables — serving as a bridge, AirPort Express doesn’t have to be physically connected to your primary base station or to your DSL or cable modem. Simply place AirPort Express within the range of your primary base station and near the area where you’d like to enjoy your wireless connection.
Cool.

Now I can sit out on the BACK porch with my Mac!
4. AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express can extend the range only of an AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express wireless network.
>D'oh!

FREE BBC Training on Video Production

BBC Training & Development > Online courses index.
via [ unmediated ]

Sunday, June 06, 2004

Schedule your STEVE TV viewing for the week!

Watch for me on the Channel 2 Auction!

Monday, June 7- MULTIPLES TABLE
5–7pm, WGBH 44
7pm–9pm, WGBH 2

Wednesday, June 9 - QUICKIE BOARD
1-3, WGBH 44

Friday, June 11 - MULTIPLES TABLE
5–7pm, WGBH 44
7pm–9pm, WGBH 2

Digital Camera for $19.67

Walmart.com - Vivitar ViviCam 3350 Digital Camera.

Thursday, June 03, 2004

NECN's LiveJournal Blog

TV Blog from NECN.

Well, it is in reverse chronological order.

28 days later


28 days later is amazing.

I never would have gone to see this movie in the theaters.

I wish I had.

The cinematography was incredible.

Fahrenheit 9/11 Trailer is now online

Fahrenheit 9/11 Trailer.

FedEx Rocks!

FedEx is the greatest. I love the computer lady that answers the phone. She's so cool.

She really listens to me.

Ha.

And the FedEx guy that's on our local route is the best. He called me on the phone yesterday to make sure I had scheduled a second pickup, one hour after a pickup he just made.

That's great customer service.

Wednesday, June 02, 2004

Jennifer Hawkins Wins!


Aussie wins Miss Universe
Miss Australia Jennifer Hawkins has been crowned Miss Universe 2004 in Ecuador.

Hawkins, 20, a Bondi-based model and former Newcastle Knights NRL team cheerleader, is Australia's first winner in the competition since 1972.

Hawkins' interests were listed as surfing, wakeboarding, camping with family, watching football with her father, reading, watching movies and going to the ballet.
Obvs.

Miss Universe 2004 Slideshow - Jennifer Hawkins.

You'd think that Donald Trump could afford a microphone that worked for Gloria Estefan.

I loved listening to the hosts pronounce all the names and locations like 'Ecccccch-wa-doooor". Just like watching Saturday Night Live when they order lunch, 'Huevos Rancheros!"

iPod <-> Car Audio System

Denison's In-Car iPod:
If you drive a Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, Honda, Peugot, Renault, Toyota, or VW using your iPod while driving just got a lot easier.
Cool.
via [ inluminent linkblog ]

Too busy to write, here are some links


John from Inluminent now has a linkblog. He says:
I'll post links that I think are interesting enough to read, but either don't have the time or energy, or need, to write anything in depth about them.
He also has a nice photo to look at. ;-)

Tuesday, June 01, 2004

Video + Blogs = VidBlogs

vidblogs.com is now up and running.

Go check out what people are doing on their videoblogs.

Matchbox cars from the 60's are better than those from the 70's


MATCHBOX #51 8 WHEEL TIPPER, POINTER LABELS
I have this one, no box though.

The cars from the 60's had these cool tires that were lifelike. Real treads and everything. Probably made with rubber.

The 70's cars had stupid plastic tires with fake hubcaps. Bogus.

70's Matchbox cars.
via [ Scott ]